Apple & Carrot Gluten Free Breakfast Cake: VitaMixed

I struggled with the price of my VitaMix for months before I actually bought it. Rationally, I couldn’t justify a blender that was more than my KitchenAid Stand Mixer.

Joe told me to buy it. Ruminating for months about a purchase isn’t in his DNA. Laser-focused decisions based on cost verses energy is how he operates. Time is money. Cliche, yes, but true for him.

Buying the VitaMix

One fateful day, we were at Costco and The VitaMix Man happened to be there effortlessly whipping up sugar-free smoothies and frozen treats. My husband, ignoring the stress in my eyes, told Mr. VitaMix to put everything he was selling in our cart.

Being me, thoughts of an unused grain attachment and the ‘luxury’ smaller blending attachment swirled through my brain until we got to the checkout. Why I thought they’d go unused, I don’t know.

My entire kitchen flashed before my eyes – 2 KitchenAid Stand Mixers, a 6 quart and a 5 quart, a Cuisinart food processor, mini-food chopper, and immersion blender with various attachments, a handmixer that’s begging to be replaced, two sets of knives, two sets of pots and pans, one stainless and one non-stick, an assortment of cast iron skillets, griddles, and dutch ovens.

An electric skillet, various convenience gadgets including silpats, juicers, and enough bakeware to feed a small army. Yes, an assortment there too – glass, stoneware, non-stick, and both light colored and dark colored metals. Let’s not forget my yogurt maker, two ice cream maker attachments and, yes, a Magic Bullet that sits in the bottom of our garage storage cabinet patiently waiting to make chicken paste.

At the last minute I insisted that Joe leave the attachments behind until I was convinced that the VitaMix was going to be an integral part of my life.

A Love Affair

I’ve never been ashamed to admit that there is a special place in my heart for my kitchen tools, and especially my VitaMix. Maybe the way some people love their big screen tv, or the way others adore their Gucci bags. If given the choice between a beautiful Louis Vitton and a brand new VitaMix, I’d take the VitaMix.

Why?

Because I can make this.

Yes, you really just put the apple and carrot into the blender, whirl it around and in less than a minute you have low-fat cake batter packed with whole foods. No grating. No dicing. No food mill. Just yummy, slightly sweet, nutrition packed goodness.

Like I said – slightly sweet. If you like your breakfast cakes sweeter, add a little more palm sugar or 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon of clear liquid stevia.

Long Term Moistness

If you read Celiac Family, you know that Heather’s litmus test for a good gluten-free baked good is that it stays moist and crumble-free when sitting out on the counter. This passes with flying colors. I left it on the counter for 5 days – that’s how long it took us to eat it. It was just as good on day 5 as it was on day 1.

Place egg whites, vanilla, apples, and carrots into the VitaMix. Start on low and quickly increase to Variable 10 while using the tamper to push the apples and carrots into the blades. Switch to High and blend for 20-3o seconds until thoroughly mixed. It will be thick.

Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients by hand. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick tests clean.

Comments

Amy! That looks absolutely delicious! I want to try this (at least some version of it!) soon! I've been dying for something different for breakfast but a little sweet and this looks perfect....looks like I'll have to make a few adjustments though as I don't yet have a Vita-mix although I'd love one! (Hey, I'd like a kitchen aid too) but anyways, as I try to do in my life and my blog, I'll be frugal -ling it as much as I can. Perhaps someday I'll be able to save up enough for one or both....which is better? :)

@Ari@ The Frugally Rich Life, One other question: Why the egg white substitute lately? Is that just the pasterized egg whites? And to keep the fat content down or ? ? Just wondering? And if I could sub whole eggs and or some eggs and liquids instead? Thanks!

We just got a vitamix 2 weeks ago! So far I have only done a couple of smoothies and some frozen yogurt. Yesterday I finally attempted some brown rice flour. Not sure if I got is as fine as I wanted. (I am going for the extra fine)Do you have any tips for grinding gf flours? I am all ears. I'll have to try that cake looks yummy! Thanks, Kelly

I'm interested in a vitamix also but when I look on the web there seem to be several choices. Which model did you go with? Is the most economical one still a good choice or do you think it's best to splurge?
Thanks!

@Cathy, I got the 5200 without the grain attachment and the smaller blender container but I've decided that I want the smaller container. I was confused by all the options, too. Please feel free to e-mail me any questions you have. I also can get you free shipping with my affiliate code if you decide to buy one. :)

I finally ordered a VitaMix after also waiting years. I can't wait to get it. We'll have to make this cake. It looks and sounds delicious. I searched around and read up what many chefs were saying about the VitaMix. The Professional series with the variable speed was the clear favorite. I am waiting on the newest one with 3 additional buttons and one of those is soup. It's like waiting for Christmas. Ever time the UPS man drives down the street I run to the door. How silly am I.

This cake certainly sounds and looks delicious! Love the idea of taking apples and carrots and with no fanfare, ending up with this. :-) I've actually been thinking about a Vita-Mix, too. The folks in our group who have them love them. Others say a BlendTech is as good for most things, less expensive, and takes up less room. I'm still debating ... And, as I've said before, we're on the same wavelength. I have absolutely no interest in big screen tvs or Gucci bags either, but I do like a few really good products in the kitchen. Of course, some of the things I use were purchased for $1 back when I was in college. I still use them and love them. LOL
Shirley

I was sure I'd commented on this--if this is a duplicate, sorry! The cake looks phenomenal. Perfect for breakfast! I'm glad it uses the VitaMix, too--I enjoy having mine, but am not head over heels as you seem to be. I hate that so much of the batter (or whatever you make) stick to the container and you can't get it out! Seems so wasteful. . . my old blender had a screw-off bottom that you could push excess stuff out of. Ah, well. I think a piece of this cake would definitely make up for it. :)

@Ricki, I understand what you mean about waste but I have found that a thin rubber spatula greatly reduces the amount left in the container.
Funny that you liked the screw off bottom - I found it to be a royal pain. It seemed to not seal correctly and would often leak. The cookware industry must love that we're all so particular and will buy exactly what works for us.

@Ricki, Truth be told the I like the leftover part in the blender because I can eat the batter. Shameful, I know, but I was a chunky little kid and my mom never let me lick the spatula. It always went into the sink and was covered with soapy water immediately.
So, today, after my cake goes in the oven I lick the spatula.

I have had my Vita Mix for years and have used it on & off but always loved it. Since being diagnosed Celiac though Ive dusted it off and make Green Smoothies every day. I love it and also will use it to make a very fine salad with Kale. I haven't been to experimental but I love this cake idea and plan to try it. Congrats on your purchase.

@Heather @CeliacFamily, I know!! I was going through my kitchen mentally this morning trying to figure out where to store the fabulously oversized cutting boards I bought yesterday. I love them because I have lots of space to work but am not sure I have a home for them yet.

LOVE this post! First, I could not live without my VitaMix. I use it every day, most times more than once. (Have gotten so good at it, I might apply to be one of those demo people like you saw in Costco;-) Green smoothies, soups, nut milks...and now this. I'm always looking for moist breakfast goodies, and I think I'll try making these into muffins. Will let you know - thanks, Amy!

This sounds absolutely delightful. I am the same way with expensive purchases. I about had a heart attack purchasing the KitchenAid (which I love) and my camera (which I love even more). It'll be a while before I get up the courage to get a Vitamix, but it's on the wish list!

Amy, I know just how you feel, and my husband sounds just like yours. He knows how much use my various kitchen tools get, and he loves to make my life as easy as he can. So he is very supportive of my kitchen tool obsession. I have to say my vitamix is the single most useful kitchen tool in my kitchen after my knives and cast iron pan. I use it daily, and it saves so much time and energy. I think it paid for itself in the first month!

I just wanted to add to the skinny spatula discussion. ;-) I'm not usually crazy over one particular product, but this long, skinny micro scraper designed for dressing, ketchup, etc. bottles is phenomenal for getting the last drop. It's from Pampered Chef. Other companies probably have something similar. My MIL gave it to me one year when I asked for a skinny spatula. I've been amazed and happy using it ever since.
http://www.pamperedchef.com/our_products/catalog/product.jsp?productId=18907&categoryCode=KW
Note that I have no affiliation with Pampered Chef. (I have probably purchsed four things from them in my lifetime.)
Shirley

@kellyc, I didn't buy the grain attachment because when the VitaMix man demoed it for me, he made brown rice flour that was the same consistency as what I buy at the store. I asked him if it could be ground finer and he said that's about the best they can do. I really wanted something that would finely grind my grains.
If you figure out how to use the grain attachment, I'd love to know all about it.

@Amy, I just wanted to give an update on grinding grains. I have been using the grain attachment (container and blade) and following directions. (grind 2 cups for 60 seconds on variable 10). It grinds very nicely. I heard from another person that she grinds her grains twice. So I put mine in a gallon bag to cool in the fridge (while I am grinding other gf grains. I do a mass grain grinding every couple of weeks and make my bread mixes and other favorite mixes for the kids. Bottom line, I grind the grains twice (following same directions) and it works like a charm. Yup, nice fine grains. I am so glad I decided to get the grain container and blade. It was definitely worth the purchase. HTH, Kellyc

@kelly, What a great idea - I'm so glad that it works well for you. And, I definitely appreciate you taking the time to come back and share what you've learned. Maybe I'll have to get one soon. Hugs. :)

@Rebecca, The only problem would be that the VitaMix literally chops the apple and carrot to the point where it's so fine you can't see it. You can try a regular blender or even try grating the apple and carrot but it won't be the same cake.
If you find something else that works please come back and share it here. We'd love to learn from you.

Amy, I am just like you! I would rather have a kitchen appliance any day over a hand bag! I LOVE LOVE my Vita mix! When we found out we had to go gluten free it was the first purchase I made second was a kitchen aid as I traded in my bosch since we used a lot of wheat products in it. And I no longer needed the big motor to knead all that wheat dough.

hi, just wanted to say that i made an altered version of this recipe today and it turned out fabulously! i don't have a vitamix so i used a food processor and finely ground the carrots and apple and then added the egg. other changes i made: replaced half of the sugar with erythritol, added some stevia and a bit of molasses, added a pinch of clove and about 1/2 tsp ginger powder, added about a tsp of olive oil, used 2 whole eggs and 1/4 C egg whites. i also added a handful of zante currants (basically tiny raisins) to the batter. topped with a greek yogurt frosting and it was SO GOOD! THANKYOU, this is the first baked good i have made with sorghum flour that i have found to be edible!

Just made this for my boyfriend and me to take with us to Alaska tomorrow so that we will not have to scavenge for breakfast on our first few days there. It's delicious! Really moist and really easy to make. I used flaxseed meal instead of the eggs, and it turned out fine... I did have to bake it a little longer to get it to really stand solid. I'm really enjoying your recipes and looking forward to trying more.

Thanks for adding in the comment on making this cake with flaxseeds instead of eggs. My daughter is very allergic to eggs and I was wondering if it would still work out without eggs and substituting flax "eggs" or other egg substitutes. I haven't had a carrot cake work out properly yet that is gluten and egg free, so looking forward to trying out an egg free adapted version. Thanks!! Donna

These sound delicious, can't wait to make, but think I will use something other than the palm sugar. I have had a Vita Mix for years and was at a loss when it started to leak. I called an 800# at Vita Mix and told them the problem. Since the machine was still on warranty, they sent me the parts free and shipped free. Can't ask for service any better than than. Sorta makes up for the price of the unit. Love your receipes

I agree! For me there is life before vitamix and life after vitamix....I wonder how I ever survived without mine!
This recipe sounds absolutely fantastic - I included it in my "dessert for breakfast" story today :)

i made this using the l equip blender, this does everything a vitamix does but half the price it mills and grinds too. only thing is i think i left it in oven too long and its come out like lead brick and needs heating up to eat it. can this happen?

I'm just starting out, and right now I have Pamela's mix instead of individual flours. The mix includes xanthan and a variety of flours, and I think a rising agent, too. Could I use it instead of the sorghum flour, and just leave out the ingredients that are also listed in the mix?
I love my vitamix, by the way. Took me forever to decide to purchase it (so expensive, yada yada...) and now I don't know how I lived without it. We use it daily.

This cake sounds so good. I have CD and I can't eat soy, plus I have IBS. So the cake or cookie or bread is better for me to eat. I was wondering if this couldd be made into a cookie? The only health cookie I know off is oatmeal raisin. But I have read in one of my GF magz is that people with CD should limit the amount of oats they eat, even if they are GF. I will try to find the artical and let you know. Thank you again for showing a way of life with less refine sugar in it. My one final vice. :)

I glad to hear that everyone is saying this is fantastic which I sure it is. I just wondering if you can use a Bean Flour instead of Sorghum ( which is made from corn, I hear). I hoping so that I can try this recipe because it really looks good.
Thanks,
Molly

@Molly, Sorghum is a grain different from corn. You can learn more about it at the Whole Grains Council http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org/
I've never tried bean flour but you can always give it a go!
Hugs,
Amy

Made this tonight. Very good! A small, like 1.5 x 1.5, piece was very satisfying. Been wanting something 'sweet' like this. I like how light it is with the eggs all whipped up so fluffy in the VitaMix. May try mixing some light cream cheese, greek yogurt, vanilla and honey for a topping.
LOVE my VitaMix too! As someone up thread said, don't know what I did without it. Use it a minimum of once a day (green smoothie). Think it was 4 times today.
Appreciate Kelly's comments on double grinding grains in the dry jar. I grind fresh wheat berries just about every weekend to make my bread (I'm SF, not GF but cutting back). My tip for grinding is don't try to do too much at one time. I think VitaMix says no more than 2 cups. Definitely stay under that for best results.

Yummy. What a great way to get more veggies and fruits into my kids! This is a great recipe for families where one kid has to be GFCF and as a result everyone has to do it. My younger boy often misses treats he used to have, because he can't eat gluten around his older brother. This should please them both, and the sorghum is high protein just like wheat.

Oh man, I can't wait to make this! We just bought a vitamix a couple months ago when I was watching QVC and they were having a sale. It is definitely the best thing we have spent money on. I made their apple pancake recipe the other day and it turned out so good. I can't wait to try this out.

Amy, I am really coveting a Vitamix. A couple of weeks ago I talked myself into getting the Ninja (had had a report it did everything the VM did at a fraction of the cost...well, that was WRONG.) It is packaged up in the box for a return tomorrow. Where do you think I can find the best price on the Vitamix? Thanks for the offer of free shipping with your code.
If I get one without all the attachments, can I later add those if you see a need--like the grain grinder, etc. Does Costco have them all the time, or were you there for a special of some kind?
Thanks,
Joey

This is absolutely delicious. Made a few changes, used 3 Whole eggs, 1/4 Cup agave and 1/4 cup xlyitol, next time will use less xlytol and of course the VM made it especially light and easy. Found that it had to bake maybe 5-8 mins longer

I made this tonight and used the 3 eggs, 2 cups of almond flour, and 1/2 cup erythritol (I can't do sugar, or many carbs). I also added more cinnamon, nuts (toasted walnuts), and baked it 40 min. using a piece of foil to shield the top during the last 5-10 min. I let it cool and frosted it with my version of cream cheese frosting (8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup erythritol, 3/4 heavy whipping cream, whipped all together). Very good! It was extremely moist. I will store it in the refrigerator since mine has no sugar to "preserve" it. I will enjoy it cold for breakfast! :) I think next time I will add even more cinnamon, and perhaps cut the apples and increase the carrots for more of a carrot vs apple cake taste. Still, we enjoyed it immensely and will definitely make it again! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe! Oh... I used a Blendtec.. worked GREAT!!

Amy, I am not sure because I dump it into a glass jar, but I think this is a NOW brand...? I have used several different kinds. I like things a little less sweet than most people so sometimes I mix Erythritol and Stevia or use "Just Like Sugar" (all natural and very good)., but use less than recipes call for. I loved the ease of this cake and enjoyed it even more the next morning (cold) for breakfast with hot coffee! YUM! Thanks for sharing!

Regarding Vitamix, have you checked out QVC? Just there and many of their models can be paid in 3 payments, meaning billed 1/3 over 3 month period - might take the sting out of paying in 1 large chunk. Also, 30 days to return. Don't know if you can purchase extended warranty. I was able to do that with a breadmaker I purchased from Amazon. Mom and I purchased the Ninja from QVC about a year ago and love it (I realize it not a vitamix and doesn't do all the same things!). Makes frozen yogurt in a flash, smoothies and has usual food processing blades. Ours came w/2 individual cups (w/2 blades), medium bowl/pitcher that has 4 blades and large pitcher has 6 blades. Also, a large cookbook. From just checking their site it looks like they have upgraded their models even more. Just a thought if you don't want to pay the really huge bucks.

@Marillyn @ just-making-noise, I think more eggs would through off the recipe balance but you can try it. They probably wouldn't be a strong enough binder, either. Let me know what you figure out. It's so much fun to see how other people take recipes and make them their own.

Oh, my, this is sooooo delicious! I topped it with mixure of 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt/mixed with Truwhip. The only change/substitution I made was Raw Trivia as the sweetener just because I did not have Palm Sugar. Will Definitely be making this again and again : ) Thank you for sharing!

Dearest Amy , you are and angel!
I love the way you wright and your recipes... would you please continue to share more Vitamix recipes- I am sure many homemakers who own it would just be ecstatic about new recipes and obviously the possibility to utilize this great machine to the max! Just love my Vitamix!
Thank you!

I bought the vitamin a yr ago and haven't used it yet. I just had a IgA stool test that said I was gluten intolerant. So starting to eat gluten free it's had to know what to eat for breakfast lunch sometimes and want to watch eating to much of any breads pasta etc need to looks 25 lbs . Where do u buy thes grains to make ur own flour and which is best flavor and texture to use. To bake with or make rolls etc. miss having a hot dog or occasional burger with bun.

[…] Recipe for Gluten Free, Sugar Free Apple & Carrot Gluten … – I finally ordered a VitaMix after also waiting years. I can’t wait to get it. We’ll have to make this cake. It looks and sounds delicious…. […]

About Amy

Living free of refined sugars and gluten since 2004 has allowed me to live a fulfilled, healthy life. My food cravings, migraines, and depression vanished and was able to maintain a 60+ pound weight loss. Today I live with enormous freedom. Join me as I create healthier food that's delicious. I'll help you do the same.